Why, hello there!
Most of you know me as the Community Manager here at Stage 32, but I'm also a writer, producer, director, a host/on-screen talent, and a Champion for the Inner Teenager. Yes, that's right - my sweet-spot genre is COMING-OF-AGE because I get teenagers better than most, and I'm here to give a voice to the current or inner rebel! ICEBREAKER QUESTION: What coming-of-age film or series are you currently obsessed with? Which one has stood the test of time for you?
If you're new to Stage 32 or you need a little guidance on how to utilize all the incredible community resources on this platform, I HIGHLY recommend checking out my brief navigation video:
https://www.loom.com/share/8c0b44cf86fd4022b0a5460b2ffc265a?sid=3fa93ab5...
HERE ARE THE THREE TIPS I GO OVER:
1) Use the HOME TAB to post
2) Use the LOUNGE TAB to find posts to comment on
3) Use the PROFILE> POSTS & UPDATES TAB to keep up with your posts and threads you've commented on
NOW... To practice what I preach, I'm putting myself out there to say what I want - and I invite you to do the same!
My big goal for the remainder of this year is to secure a manager. As a multi-hyphenate, I've got a lot of projects going on. I need someone who can keep their eyes on the horizon with me, possibly help me shelve the projects or double down on the projects I've already got going on. I'd love to find someone who can represent me in all three arenas as a storyteller, not just a writer. If you know someone I should know, please do me the kindness of making the introduction! Any advice on what to ask a manager when interviewing them?
*Don't worry, I'll follow this post up with emails to my contacts as well - working in all directions just increases the chances of lightening in a bottle, right?
That being said, my current projects are SUPER EXCITING!
PRODUCING - Drama/Thriller/Coming-of-Age Feature ($10mil) - currently pitching to investors and already have some big names attached
PRODUCING - Family Drama/Action/Coming-of-Age Feature ($2mil) - proof of concept is in the Film Festival circuit and building the pitch deck; will be accepting meetings in the fall
WRITING/DIRECTING - Mockumentary/Comedy/Millenial Romance (Micro-budget) - Currently revising, already working with an EP who does direct-to-streaming features internationally; looking forward to filming this one before the end of the year!
DIRECTING/PRODUCING - Millenial Holiday RomCom featuring Local LA (TBD) - optioned the book and working with the author to finalize the script; we're aiming to film a proof-of-concept short film this November to add to the pitch deck and increase our exposure
WRITING/DIRECTING - Holiday RomCom featuring Local South Carolina (TBD) - breaking story now, and exploring ways to make this into "transmedia" i.e. - writing the main story but allowing it to filter into other mediums at the same time, like a novel, a graphic novel, a table top game, a radio play, etc.
You can follow my July Filmmaker's Club goals on the Filmmaking Lounge HERE:
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing/July-Filmmaking-Club-Intentions...
Whew! Yeah... it's a lot, BUT I love the pressure!
I look forward to geeking out in the comments with you all!
Cheers!
K. Ross
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I'm watching two coming-of-age series, Karen "Kay" Ross. All American and Animal Kingdom (it's kinda a coming-of-age series). I'm on season six of All American and season three (last episode of the season) of Animal Kingdom. Both series have stood the test of time with their themes and topics.
I'm cheering for you to reach your big goal and all your goals! And I'll be cheering with you when you reach them!
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I get that. I love stories with kids/teenagers.
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Always great to see you, Karen "Kay" Ross ! Keep doing that great work!
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Ooo, great choices, Maurice Vaughan ! All-American is a great CW show - I was even a background actor for one of their episodes LOL I’ll have to check out Animal Kingdom. what does it play on?
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Maria Soriano Right?! someone once said to me the reason coming-of-age is so impactful is because it’s the stage of life where you see the greatest change. so, if we know that a character’s arc is part of the emotional pay off, and coming-of-age has one of the largest potentials to arc, it’s no wonder it’s so compelling!
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Thank you so much, Brian Smith ! Good to see you as well! looking forward to our next in-person meet-up - would be great to catch up! How goes your client work, btw? Are you still freelancing?
Congratulations, Karen "Kay" Ross! Which episode of All American? I'm watching Animal Kingdom on Prime Video.
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I can't think of a favorite coming-of-age story offhand, but I did want to share that I've written a coming-of-age screenplay called STACKS and just found out last night that it's a quarter finalist in the Los Angeles Int'l Screenplay Awards!
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Congratulations on being a quarter finalist, Maureen Mahon!
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Thanks, Maurice Vaughan!
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You're welcome, Maureen Mahon.
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Karen "Kay" Ross Hi Kay, it’s good to see that you are so busy. I hope all is well with you. Enjoy your weekend.
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You're the best Karen "Kay" Ross !
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Hey Karen "Kay" Ross I hope you are doing great.
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Coming of Age is one of my go-to genres and I consume it in mass quantities. Seriously, I try to watch as many popular coming of age series as possible, so I feel like I’ve seen the majority of them. But some of my all-time favorites will always be- Buffy, Boy Meets World, One Tree Hill, Never Have I Ever, Veronica Mars, Sex Education, Friday Night Lights, The Fosters, and Dawson’s Creek.